Symptoms
Fixed false belief not based on reality
Delusion
What medication class does haloperidol belong to?
First generation antipsychotics.
What serious side effect is associated with clozapine?
Agranulocytosis.
A patient says the TV is sending messages. Identify the delusion type.
Referential delusion.
What is the first step when a patient reports command hallucinations?
Assess for safety and intent to harm self or others.
It is a false sensory perception that occurs without any external stimulus
Hallucination
Which neurotransmitter is primarily blocked by antipsychotic medications?
Dopamine
Restlessness and inability to sit still.
akathisia
“I understand you hear voices, but I do not hear them.” (What type of communication?)
Presenting reality
What should the nurse monitor when a patient is taking clozapine?
WBC count.
Is a state of abnormal motor behavior(immobile)
catatonia
Do patients with schizophrenia have higher or lower dopamine levels?
Higher
Life threatening reaction with fever, rigidity, and autonomic instability.
neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
What communication technique should be avoided during hallucinations?
Arguing and reinforcing the hallucination
Identify one intervention to decrease hallucinations.
Reduce stimuli, present reality, structured activities.
A patient no longer speaks or interacts.
Alogia
Which antipsychotic is used for treatment resistant schizophrenia?
Clozapine
Which medication class is more likely to cause EPS?
First generation antipsychotics.
Describe a therapeutic approach for a paranoid patient.
Maintain distance, avoid sudden movements, provide clear explanations. Do not touch patient
Name one intervention for acute dystonia.
Administer benztropine or diphenhydramine.
Is disorganized speech a positive or negative symptom?
Positive
Identify the mechanism of action of second generation antipsychotics.
Dopamine and serotonin receptor blockade.
Name one antiparkinsonian medication to treat EPS.
Benztropine HCL
Identify one therapeutic technique for hallucinations.
Present reality, encourage distraction, acknowledge feelings.
Name one priority assessment before administering antipsychotics.
Baseline vitals, movement assessment, metabolic screening.